Three families of Syrian refugees hosted by Pope Francis in Vatican. Sant'Egidio provides first welcome

Coming back from Greek Island of Lesbos, the pope gives a lesson of concrete commitment for refugees

Coming back from the Greek island of Lesbos, Pope Francis has taken on his plane three families of refugees from Syria fleeing form war. They are 12 people- 6 of them are children - who will be hosted in Vatican. They come from bombed cities, had lost everything and are in a very precarious condition.

The Community of Sant'Egidio, happy and honoured to be involved in offering the first welcome to the guests of the pope, has offered its cooperation.

“Everything was arranged according to the rules. They have their documents. The Holy See, the Greek government and the Italian government have checked everything. They have been welcomed by the Vatican and with the collaboration of the Saint Egidio Community they will be searching for work” the Pope said.

Press:

The Syrians are being housed in the charity complex Sant’Egidio in Trastevere
while their await longer-term accommodation in the Vatican.
Photograph: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images

The night before the visiting of the pope, Sant'Egidio came to our camp and made interviews with us, so we know (knew) that we were chosen at nine o'clock in the evening. And they told us that 'you must be ready the day after, you must be ready tomorrow because your plane is tomorrow', so it was like a surprise.
– NOUR ESSA

Syrian refugees Wafa, no last name available, at center with white scarf, and her
husband Osama,second from left, hold their children's hands as they arrive with another Syrian family at the St. Egidio Community in Rome, Saturday, April 16, 2016.